Crossing signal



/ March 25, 1924. I 1,487,981 M. H. SMITH I CROSSING SIGNAL Filed Nov. 5, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WliNESS: ATTORNEY March 25 ,'1924. 1,487,981-

7 M.'H. SMITH CROSSING SIGNAL Filed Nov. 5. 1923 s sneetssheet 2 INVENTOR 1,487,981 M. H. SMITH 1 CROSSING SIGNAL March 25 1924.

Filed Nov. 5. 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 M17. J'mfz/ INVENTOR ATTCRNEY- Patented Mar. 25, 1 924.

UNITED STATES MELVIN E. SMITH, 0F PRETTY PRAIRIE, KANSAS.

caossinc SIGNAL.

Applicationfiled November 3, 1923. Serial No. 672,580.

a. train approaches the crossing and to provide means for returnin the signal to inoperative position when t 1e train passes the crossing. g

Another object of the invention is to so form the parts that but a slight contact of the part on the train with the parts of the si nal is requiredto actuate the device.

' hlS invention also cons1sts in certa n other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several I arts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing my invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawings wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:-

Figure 1 is an elevation with parts in section showing the invention in use.

Figure 2 is a plan view.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through the support and the parts carried thereby.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the tripping mechanism.

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a detail View of the train eng 'ng arm.

igure 7 is a section on line 7-7 of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a plan view showing the parts in inoperative position.

In these views, A indicates the track and B the crossing. The signal consists of a shaft 1 which has connected with its upper end a figure 2 which is preferably made in the form of a man with one arm extended, the hand of the extended arm holding a fla 3 to which is connected a bell 4. The sha t is rotatabl mounted in a support 6 which is provide with the wings 7 which are bolted to the. ties 8. A cap 9 has screw threaded engagement with the lower end of the support 6 and the lower end of the shaft extends within the cap where it receives a pin 10 andwasher 11 for holding the shaft in place. A thrust screw 12 is carried by the cap and has its pointed ends engaging the lower end of the shaft. This cap may contain lubricant. A ratchet wheel 13 is connected with the shaft and rests on the top of the support. This wheel has connected therewith the arms 14 and 15, the arm 15 being connected by the spring 16 with a part of the support and these parts are so arranged that the spring tends to hold the shaft with the figure and flag in operative position so that the crossing is blocked and traflic thereon notified that a train is approaching. In this position also the arm 14, which is provided with a curved end 14', is located so that it will be struck by a part on the train as thetrain passes the crossing so that the parts will be moved to a position where the signal is in inoperative position and the crossing is free. A spring pressed pawl 17 is carried by the support and is arranged to engage the ratchet wheel for holding the parts with the signal in operative and inoperative position. This pawl is connected by a cable 18 with a lever 19 which is pivoted to a support 20 arranged adjacent the track at a distance from the crossing. This lever is adapted to be struck by a part on the train and its movement will cause the cable to release the pawl 17 from the ratchet wheel and thus permit the spring 16 to throw the signal into operative position. Springs 21 return the lever to normal position after being operated by a. passing train. It will thus be seen that when a train ap' proaches a crossing it will strike the lever 19, the movement of which will act through the cable 18 to release the pawl 17 from the first notch in the ratchet wheel and permit the spring 16 to turn the shaft and the parts .carried thereby until the pawl engages the second notch in which position of the parts the signal will be over the crossing and in a position to notify trafiic that a train is approaching. As the train passes the crossing it will strike the arm 14 and move the parts back into inoperative position with the pawl engaging the first notch of the ratchet wheel. The curved end of the arm will permit a train to be backed by the signal without operating it or doing damage to the car. The

signal is made of thin material so that when it is in inoperative position it will not be noticed by persons crossing the track. As it is swung into operative position the flag will be waved and the bell sounded.

It is thought from the foregoing description that the advantages and novel features of my invention will be readily apparent.

I desire it to be understood that I may make changes in the construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, provided that such changes fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is 1. A device of the class described comprising a vertically arranged shaft, signal means carried thereby, spring means for holding the shaft in position with the signal in operative position, train operated means arranged a distance from the signal, a pawl for holding the shaftwith the signal in inoperative position and the spring under tension, flexible means connecting the train operated means with said pawl and means connected with the shaft and adapted to be engaged by a train passing the crossing for moving the parts to inoperative position and to tension the spring means.

2. A signal of the class described comprising a vertically arranged shalt, signal means carried thereby, a pair of arms connected with the shaft, a spring connected with one arm and with a stationary part, ratchet mechanism associated with the shaft, a support arranged adjacent the track at a distance from the crossing, a pivoted lever carried by the support and a cable connecting the lever with the pawl of the ratchet mechanism.

3. A signal of the class described comprising a vcrticall arranged shaft, :1 signal carried thereby, said signal being made in the form of a man holding a flag in an extended hand and having a bell connected with the flag, means for moving the signal into operative position by a train approaching the crossing and means for moving the signal into inope'ntive position by a train passing the crossing.

l. A signal of the class described comprising a support arranged adjacent the crossing, a vertically arranged shaft rotatably mounted in the support, signal means carried by the shaft, a pair 01" arms connected with the shaft, a spring connected with one arm and with a part of the support and acting to more the si nal into operative position, ratchet mechanism associated with the shaft for holding the same in operative and inoperative position, train operated means located a distance from the crossing and a flexible member connectin the said means with the pawl of the ratchet mech anism.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MELVIN H. SMITH. 

